TEST DRIVE MEME ⚔️️ 9

[avalonmods]

✨ Greet new players on the OOC intro while apps are processed HERE! ✨

{ QUICK NAV } Premise ⚔️️ Rules ⚔️️ FAQ ⚔️️ Taken ⚔️️ Reserves ⚔️️ Apply ⚔️️ Locations ⚔️️ Bestiary ⚔️️ Top-Levels Only ⚔️️ SUMMARY: New arrivals drop into the lake and have to climb up a cliff to the Rent a Ride, where they are given their device and some headphones and can retrieve their personal materials. There is a small earthquake during this (shaking, some things may fall off of shelves, but no structural damage) that upsets the normal arrival creatures, limiting cliff-falling rescues and sliming the water. They travel to Camelot, which is a multiple day journey, so they stop at the Red Springs along the way and stay at an inn there. A ⦿ Soaking in Your Arrival KERPLUNK, SPLASH! Regardless of what you were in the middle of, you and your familiar have been magically pulled into the world of Avalon just above the Bay's waters. After a brief plunge into the Bay, the rush of water filling your ears and soaking up into every creak and crevice of your body, you may need to cough to clear your airways when you rise above the surface. It's still chilly, but not enough that you can't manage on your own. The Lady of the Lake is swimming around under the water, helping to rescue any wayward travelers who look like they're struggling in the water. This month's helpers are giant pillow jellies, a species of jellyfish that is capable of ballooning itself at the surface to create bouncy pads for characters to hop across to the shore, should they choose or not be able to swim. They come in a variety of bioluminescent colors, but do not seem to be very talkative even to animal magic users. Those who try may find themselves being ignored, even if they hear the jellies talking amongst themselves about this and that. In the middle of the new arrivals, there is a small earthquake that shakes the island and makes the waters choppy. The jellyfish are startled and release a glow-in-the-dark slime that may dye your characters' hair and skin until they can get a proper bath. The Lady of the Lake seems disquieted by the earthquake, but there isn't much to be done about it where they are now besides make sure that everyone is outside of the water as quickly as possible. If anyone tries to ask the Lady of the Lake for directions, she will direct you to Archimedes at the Rent-a-Ride. The shores themselves are littered with new arrivals complaining their way up a staircase carved into the walls of the White Cliffs. There is no railing, so be careful, as the earthquake has scared the cliff beast into hiding, meaning for July's arrivals, there is no safety net. They may need some serious help if a fall occurs! *Reminder: Your character's familiar may or may not be with your character in their initial plunge. If the familiar isn't partial to water, it may meet your character on the beach or sit atop their head while they swim. Or if they are, they might splash about and swim alongside your character. Familiars have different personalities and body specs and we leave those up to the players. B ⦿ The Caravan to Camelot Once everyone is wrangled up to the top of the White Cliffs, the handsome owner of the Rent-a-Ride, Archimedes, will distribute smart phones, sunscreen, a pair of sunglasses, and a pair of ear buds and tell them to "Check the Shit Box." The "Shit Box" refers to wardrobe more formally known as the Wardrobe of Finding, a hammerspace-like wardrobe that opens to each person's items and pets when the person touches the handle. It was enchanted by Merlin to prevent people from having to fish their waterlogged possessions and pets out of the water with them. From there, Archimedes directs everyone to settle in groups into modernized carriages pulled by horses and gives them a basic explanation of why and how they've been brought to Avalon: The rest of the universe is frozen in time and your character has been brought here by a familiar that was able to bond with them. They'll have to learn magic to help save their own world from destruction, but first they've got to get them to Camelot. It is here that you have the first opportunity to decide who they will be in their new home. You'll have about an hour to wander around here, meet and greet, and pet the horses before it's time to go. These carriages use fae technology that combats weight, so your character will be able to get in regardless of whether they're light as a feather or weigh two tons. The carts have air conditioning when it's hot, heating when it's cold, and a mystical shield to protect from bugs. There is also a mini-bar that pops out of the console with nip bottles. Characters can use their smartphones to connect to Camelot's internet service, avalononline (AOL), to chat with other characters, watch dumb videos, learn about the world, contact Camelot Support (they'll answer any questions they can for you, from how to use a smart phone to where to find quests and resources to learn more about your magic). Be careful if you decide to use your phones while in the caravan-- if you don't use those earbuds and start forcing everyone to listen to your nonsense, Archimedes may make you walk. C ⦿ The Red Spring The journey from the White Cliffs to the City of Camelot is a long one, and the first evening you arrive you'll end up spending at the Red Spring, a booming resort town. Because of the volume of new arrivals and vacationers, inn rooms are assigned two-to-a-room. The rooms have two twin beds, a bathroom, a mini-fridge and microwave, and a TV equipped with a couple of entertaining video games and a few free movies. If you don't want to relax in the room, try taking a dip in the spring for another chance to meet your fellow travelers. The waters have restorative properties that help horses and travelers recover quickly when drunk. It is known to relieve stress, improve energy levels, and mildly accelerate healing. It may be a little chilly when you get out though, so make sure you don't slip rushing back indoors when you get out! The springs are also home to a large training grounds just outside town limits, where there are teachers who will teach basic magic safety and help you discover what kind of magic you have together with other new arrivals. Try target practice, obstacle courses, meditation circles, and other ways to try to figure out just what you can do... if you didn't already have an accidental discovery on the ride there. SUMMARY: Camelot throws a carnival to combat the warming up weather featuring "cool" foods and contests, Queen Elphame sent gifts of aquatic mounts to practice in gratitude for the offering and peacemaking with Celliwig, and the clean-up for the carnival goes haywire as cleaning implements magically seek to clean everything. Thankfully, not every minute of Avalon is adventure and trials and rituals. There are moments of respite, and moments to have fun. This July, for example, locals have decided to invite everyone to what they're calling the "Cool Down Carnival"! A ⦿ Cool Carnival, Bruh Vendors of all kinds have taken to selling cooling goods throughout the carnival grounds. Shaved ice, frozen yogurt, gelato, ice cream, iced tea and boba drinks are everywhere, and each and every vendor is vying for the attention of customers. Whether it's coupons for free snacks if they fill out a punch card for all three days of the carnival, or trying out their new, more magical recipes of frozen slush that make you temporarily behave like a penguin and try belly-sliding down a slip-n-slide that's been set up to occupy the unfortunate victims of that slush (It wears off, don't worry.) Perhaps most notably is the Margaritaville Pair Challenge. If you and an acquaintance can down a giant schooner of frozen margarita in less than a minute together, you'll both get a free happy hour item once a day for the next month from the restaurant and they'll do you a solid and teach you (Recipe) Hangover Moveover, a recipe that instantly cures hangovers. The brain freeze caused by downing that much frozen drink is yours to deal with, unfortunately... B ⦿ Surf New Turf In the evening, the fae folk of the carnival crew lead the way to uproot the party off toward the docks near Camelot. The Elphame Traders came back this past month with good tidings from Queen Elphame, who was impressed both with the gift of a ship and the winning over of Celliwig's people. To this end, a second ship was sent with the Elphame Traders to provide a means of transportation to the faery Kingdom of Elphame without passing through the Forest of the Felled: aquatic mounts. However, they aren't exactly easy for anyone who isn't an animal mage and will require practice before anyone can set out. You'll need at least one person to steer and one person to act as a combatant, as the lake north of the arrival point is more than a little treacherous but that will be a journey for another day. (Maybe the 20th? Stuff seems to coincidentally always happen around then, huh... Weird.) For now, the fae who stayed behind from the Elphame Traders this month are sticking around to help you find a partner and an aquatic mount that gets along with the two of you. Most of the creatures who have agreed to be mounts are hanging out alongside he beach near the old docks, so you can go around and check out the different kinds of available mounts: Alpacapies: Cousin to the much more violent water horse fae the Kelpies, Alpacapies have been mistaken for baby loch ness monsters on more than one occasion given their penchant for sitting with just their hump and long neck above the waterline. They can be ridden in the water and tend to bond with people who are polite to them upon greeting. They will assist in combat by spitting water at their enemies or kicking with front legs, but they may shake you off if they need to deep dive to gain speed for an attack. They do not have back legs, only a dolphin-like fin. For some reason, they're really impossible to take photographs of. Mossatees: You're familiar with the mossatee already. A special breed of manatee that grows flowers and moss on its back like a miniature garden. They blossom in the spring, and their backs can be very comfortable. They're a little clumsy and tend to run into things, both accidentally and on purpose, so it may be a bit of a derpy ride if you and your partner choose a mossatee. They also just had a lot of children, so part of riding with them will mean protecting their young on the journey. They're not good in combat and will prioritize defense. Deinosuchus: A Cretaceous crocodile that gets up to about 10 meters long. It's huge and carnivorous and very well could eat you if you piss it off. It is fast, but has to take a lot of breaks. It will also terrorize in a fight. The fae recommend bringing it a goat or some other similarly sized meal to get it on your side if you want to go for this one. This pack is the only one left, transported by fairies to Avalon long, long ago, so you'd better not let them down. Once you've found a mount that seems right, try to practice balancing on its back. They don't much like saddles so that may be a challenge, but if you hold onto your partner it might be easier! Once you're settled, try racing against another pair or going through a Survivor-esque obstacle course with your mounts. C ⦿ Clean Up Chaos As people head out for the second day of practice with their mounts or recover from a crazy carnival experience, things around town... seem a little off. It seems like someone tried some experimental magic after competing in the Margaritaville challenge feeling particularly benevolent. All around Camelot, cleaning utensils have taken on a life of their own. Brooms are sweeping customers right out of restaurants, sponges are scrubbing up dishes and chasing down patrons for the most public sponge baths of their life, and the local woodland creatures are assisting in picking up and taking away anything that touches the floor that ought not to be there. Some are even hopping up on residents to do their hair! Whatever the source is, the only solution is to either destroy or scare the cleaning supplies off to the woods before they take over the whole town! A little magic should help, so why not test out the magic you've been working on since arriving in Avalon? SUMMARY: The earthquake busted some of the Land of Rot wards and zombies are attacking Camelot's farmland. Save the farm, restore the wards, fight a giant worm, and then find a mysterious marsh before getting transported back home just as mysteriously. The earthquake on arrival day was a little frightening, but ultimately didn't seem to cause too much trouble around New Camelot. That is, until a few days later when the farmlands seem to be under attack.. by the undead!? It seems like the wards surrounding the Lands of Rot were disrupted by the earthquake near Camelot's northeast farmland. ' A ⦿ The Farming Dead Step one is to fight the hoard of zombies spilling out into the farm and stop them before they contaminate Camelot's food source. Use whatever means you can to dispense of the undead, keeping the following in mind: death mages are going to be the most effective combatants against the undead, but anyone can follow the basic rules of zombies to clear a path. Loud noises attract their attention, they shamble during the day and can move more quickly during the night, they don't feel pain so if you hurt the they won't be deterred-- you have to kill them, and always double-tap if you aren't sure. Just be careful not to set them on fire. Flaming zombies can spread fires to buildings and other surroundings and are just generally worse than regular zombies! Once the zombies are cleared out, farmworkers will bring out gifts of fresh lemonade and some extra mixed herb seeds they gathered throughout the year. They're still good, please take them as a thanks for helping save the farm! B ⦿ Of Wards and Worms After searching the perimeter of the Land of Rot, sources have found that the wards were damaged on the west side, so the zombies haven't fully penetrated any areas but the farm. Pair up with another person to draw the attention of the zombies away from wards while the other person resets the wards. While doing this, you'll find the earth is rumbling again-- a little heavier this time since you're much closer than back in the Bay of Avalon. Rather suddenly, a huge sinkhole opens up in the desert landscape of the Land of Rot nearby... and out leaps a thousand-toothed worm, flying through the air and diving back toward the ground teeth-first... with your character right in its target location! Maybe you're lucky and get out of the way only to get knocked down by another huge tremor, or maybe you've just been swallowed whole by a giant worm and really, really need to find a way out for you and your partner! Maybe you'll find something interesting while you think... Is that a broken boat in here? Hopefully you find your way out (or.. if you don't, you find someone to resurrect you, but that would really suck if you just arrived!) C ⦿ Wake Me Up Before You're Go-Gone First zombies, then a giant worm... today's been exhausting! And now you're.. somewhere in the middle of the Land of Rot and you seem to have run into some kind of marsh that you don't remember passing on your way in. The water itself is murky and the only creatures around seem to be bugs, bats, snakes, and frogs. Everything seems sickly, rotting, and is pretty awfully stinky. But none of it is quite as terrifying as when you and whoever you wandered into the Land with stumble upon what appears to be some kind of old hag. What happens next? Who knows. She screams and both you and whoever you're with pass out and wake up snuggling in an inn room. You were definitely in that marsh though, because your pants are still sopping from trudging through it... Well, enjoy the panic, maybe interrogate your neighbors, and try to find out where in the Land of Rot you were! It sure doesn't seem to be on the map... What a mystery! MOD NOTES: • All test drive prompts are open to anyone in the game at any time to create your own logs with, but this post should have top-levels by potential new characters only. Current characters may reply to any threads, but should not top-level comment on this post. • If your application is accepted, you may accept TDM threads as game canon as long as both players consent. Characters may begin threading as soon as their journal is accepted to the communities. •If nothing here tickles your fancy, try one of this month's Quests for your TDM prompt. • The first "Arrival" prompts are present on every TDM, but contain seasonal tweaks for flavor. All other prompts will change monthly. • Questions about this TDM's content? Comment here! If you have a question about the game at-large, please head over to the FAQ.

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Tsuzuru Minagi | a3! | light magic | kuda-gitsune familiar

[nightwriter]

[B. The Caravan to Camelot]

[So alot has happened in the last couple of hours. Tsuzuru suddenly found himself plunged into a body of water. The last thing he remembered Kazunari told him to take a nap and he would let him know when dinner was ready. He fell asleep then woke up in water with a kuda-gitsune waiting for him when he finally got on the shore. He didn't think those spirits were real, just a tale he heard when he was a kid, now that same fox sat next to him. After being confused, he figured out that the kuda-gitsune was with him and he needed to find where to go. Once he dried his clothes, his new friend helped him get to carriage. He wasn't expecting the modern items in the carriage, so the carriage ride wasn't too bad.

Once Tsuzuru flipped through the smartphone he placed it in his lap then leaned back with a small sigh. At least he didn't have to worry about walking to his new home. Oh, wait, there was someone else with him. Tsuzuru opened his eyes and gave a polite smile.]

Sorry, it's been a long day. Hi, how are you?

[C. The Red Spring]

[Tsuzuru arrived to the inn with the kuda-gitsune resting in the hood of his hoodie. The spirit didn't feel heavy so he didn't mind very much even if it would take some time to get used to. He opened the door and walked around the room. Okay, it's not as old as he imagined it. For a place that looked like it came right out of a movie about knights, it was more modern than he expected. Once he looked around the room he left to go explore.

Tsuzuru rubbed the kuda-gitsune's head on his walk. It looked really nice, he's still wondering how he got reception with this phone, but it probably good not to question it. He stopped when he found the hot spring. Well, taking a soak wouldn't be too bad it's not like he hasn't work to do.]

Hey, I'm going to be at the springs for awhile. Did you want to join me? Wait, can you join me?

[The kuda-gitsune rubbed their cheek against Tsuzuru's hand. He rubbed the kuda-gitsune's head with a smile.]

I'll be back in the room soon, okay?

[The kuda-gitsune nodded, untangled their body from his arm, and floated back to the room. Tsuzuru didn't have to worry about breaking a rule or where the spirit would be. He walked in the spring, changed, then got into the water. He sighed softly as he brushed his fingers through the water. So, he was in a strange land, with a spirit as a companion, and he doesn't know how he's going to get back home. It's like he's part of Itaru's light novels.

What would he do now?

If someone is there he's not sleeping! If he's alone he will close his eyes for a bit.]

[C. Cool Carnival, Bruh]

[A carnival! It's been awhile since he went to a carnival. It had all the things he would find back home too. What kind of place did he end up in? If it looked like food from home, would it taste the same too? He decided to try some boba first. It really did taste like something from home! After he received the punch card from the vendor, he walked around with the kuda-gitsune peeking out of his hood.]

What should I try next?

[At least the carnival looked fun.]

[D. Wildcard]

[Got anything you want to do with Tsuzuru hit me up in a PM or at sunnycrow!]

c.

[revile]

[ Carnivals aren't exactly Sakyo's thing. He might be used to helping out the Ginsenkai's traditional festivals but he prefers working a booth and doing a job then wandering around eating. Certainly, the sweet cold treats aren't for him. Maybe if he's lucky he could find some beer.

As he walks around idly watching everything, Sakyo thinks he sees a familiar figure. Following them until they finally speak, he realizes that, much to his displeasure, there is in fact another Mankai Company brat here in Camelot. Great. ]

Minagi.

[nightwriter]

[Wait, he recognized that voice. Tsuzuru turned around as the kuda-gitsune popped their head up to Sakyo.]

Sakyo-san? Hey Sakyo-san.

[Tsuzuru felt relieved to see someone from home. He walked over with his kuda-gitsune bumping their head against his cheek.] Oh, don't worry we can trust him, he's from home. [Don't mind his fox, they're very curious.]

Have you been here long? Is there anyone else from home here?

[revile]

[ ...getting used to these weird familiars still takes some getting used to. He has to wonder how exactly they're even decided on. Does a kuda-gitsune suit Tsuzuru? He's got no clue, just like he has no clue why he has a Komainu. ]

Not really, no. Its only been about a month or two since I showed up with the Director. Nanao and the older Hyodo are here also.

[nightwriter]

[Tsuzuru isn't sure about the familiars either. He got this little guy and he doesn't know what kind of powers they have. He's still trying to figure out what to call him too. Kuda-gitsune hasn't been much of a bother with the way they settled in his hoodie and pops out when anyone is near.]

Hmm, there's more people here than I thought. Do you know what kind of place this is?

[revile]

More than necessary, really, but I hear time works different in this place so it's like no one back home'll notice we're gone. Thank god.

[ He can only imagine the kind of chaos that'd start within Mankai Company if they all started disappearing one after the other, especially the Director. ]

So about where you are... basically, remember that Knights of Round stage play Spring Troupe did? It's exactly that kind of setting. The main city's even called Camelot. It's ridiculous but completely real.

[nightwriter]

That's good. [There was one last thing he had to worry about. He didn't want to imagine how worried his family and Mizuno would be. Not to mention the chaos that would erupt since they wouldn't be there.]

I remember! Wow, I never imagined being in a place like this. So, if this place is called Camelot does that mean we can use magic too?

[Getting used to his familiar is already something he didn't think he would have, but being able to use magic would be even weirder.]

c! in the continuing adventures of "izumi meets her boys in the bath"

[currysseur]

( Izumi quickly learned the error of assuming Avalon's hot springs were separated into men and women's sections the day she arrived at the inn, and has since made the decision to wear a bathing suit whenever she decides to go. which is probably a good thing because Tsuzuru makes the third Mankai boy she's found relaxing in the spring when she chooses to go.

seriously, how was she at the lake to greet her actors and yet missed two (2) whole good boys? )

Is it okay if I join you, Tsuzuru-kun?

I love that's how she meets them lol

[nightwriter]

[Tsuzuru looked over to Izumi then promptly dipped lower in the water. The springs aren't separated!? He couldn't have Izumi see him like this!]

Yes! One second!

[Tsuzuru quickly grabbed his towel, threw it on, and nearly slid into the changing station. He found a swimsuit, put it on then returned to the water area with his towel.]

Sorry about that Izumi-san I didn't know the springs weren't separated, but yes it's fine for you to join me. I can't believe you're here too! When did you get here?

beautifully embarrassing. (and sorry this is so late! it has been a stressful week)

[currysseur]

( that was pretty smooth, Tsuzuru. she'd have been impressed watching that kind of pick up on stage, never mind in this situation. she wasn't nearly that elegant when she ran into Sakyo-san here. )

It's okay. I didn't know that either. I walked in on Sakyo-san...

( shudder. a bad, bad time. )

Hm... a couple months now, I think. It seems like more of Mankai turns up every month.

( Taichi had to wait a while, but now it seems like members have just been snowballing in. )

the best way to meet (it's okay! i understand!)

[nightwriter]

[He's actually pretty happy he didn't trip or anything in front of her. Now if he could keep this going while he was here that would be great.

Oh she walked in on Sakyo...he's sorry Izumi-san.]

Really? What kind of place is this? It's looks like something out of a drama or something.

<3 never move house it isn't worth it

[currysseur]

( yeah... don't ask about what happened with their familiars. Miho still hasn't warmed up to Sakyo-san because of it. )

Um... well, it reminds me a lot of the kind of games Itaru-san likes to play! There's magic and strange things happening. And we've all fallen in from other worlds...

( it's very like one of Itaru-san's games, if she thinks about it. )

<3 i hope things gets easier soon

[nightwriter]

[Tsuzuru offers his apologies again.]

It does remind me of those games too. I remember looking up movies about knights and camelot for the play I wrote, but I didn't think I would be in a place like this.

[Honestly, he thought a place like this would only be in movies or in one of Itaru's games.]

So, um, what have you been up to since you've been here? How long have you been here?

c. the red spring

[saxsongs]

[Ren enjoys visiting the red spring and just relaxing. That's where he is when Tsuzuru walks in. He smiles.]

Nice evening for a dip.

[nightwriter]

[Tsuzuru returned the smile and gave a small wave at him.]

Yes, it is.

[He walked in and took a seat close by this new person. He leaned back with his eyes closed as he relaxed in the water. Well, this was one of the good parts of this new world.]

Um, have you been here long? Hope I wasn't interrupting anything.

[saxsongs]

Not for too long, so if you don't mind company, I'd like to continue relaxing for a while... but no, you didn't interrupt anything at all.

[He was merely relaxing.]

[nightwriter]

Oh good, I'm glad I didn't. I don't mind the company either, um, my name is Tsuzuru. Nice to meet you.

[He might as well introduce himself since he walked in on him.]

So, what kind of place is this? It looks like something out of books back home.

[saxsongs]

I'm Ren. Likewise.

[His long hair is currently on a ponytail to stop his hair from getting too wet. He adjusts the ponytail a little bit.]

It's a rather nice place. Sometimes it gets a little crazy... one or two times a month, I'd say. During the time newcomers arrive and then later in the month.

[nightwriter]

Oh, thanks for the heads up, I'll be sure to look out for it when something happens.

[Tsuzuru watched the water ripple when he moved his hand through the water. Well, maybe it wouldn't be so bad to be here for awhile.]

So, um, what else can you do here? [The hot spring was a place he would have to mark down for later.]

Carnival!

[arf]

[ Basically the only reason Taichi didn't make his way to the red spring this month was because he wanted to prepare for the carnival (a vague declaration no one but Taichi was really sure what meant) but it turned out to be serendipitous anyway! ]

Roasted corn! It's number 17 on Taichi Nanao's Top 100 Carnival Quests for Every Dimension! I haven't been able to find any yet!

[ Hi Tsuzuru, a puppy found you ]

[nightwriter]

Roasted Corn sounds good. Huh, wait, Taichi-kun?

[A puppy found him! Tsuzuru turned around to Taichi as his kuda-gitsune lifted up to see him.]

Hey Taichi-kun! How long have you been here? Did you want some roasted corn?

[arf]

Huh? I just got to the carnival a little bit ago.

[ Or did he meant this world? ]

Definitely, roasted corn! It's a must!

[nightwriter]

[Well, Tsuzuru figured the question could be for both. He settled his kuda-gitsune who leaned out of his hood to look at Taichi.]

Don't worry, he's a good guy from home. [Tsuzuru asked for two bags of roasted corn then carried them over to Taichi. He handed him one before he dug into his own.]

Um, how about this new world? How long have you been here?

[arf]

Is that your familiar?

[ Taichi waves at the kuda-gitsune and gives it a smile before he accepts the corn. He takes a deep breath to smell it in. It smells like festivals!! ],/small>

Since December, and I was on another planet before that!

[nightwriter]

Oh yeah, they've been with me since I got out of the water. I still don't know what to call it yet. I know they're pretty curious about everything.

[The kuda-gitsune poked out of Tsuzuru's hood and leaned up to see Taichi a bit better. While the kuda-gitsune examined Taichi, Tsuzuru started on his corn.]

Since December? Woah, that's a pretty long time. Wait, you were on another planet? [There's so much he wants to ask that he doesn't know where to begin.]

Okay, I'm going to ask about the other planet a little later. What have you been up to here?